It was a deliberate omission (edit: I didn't know he was actually injured until seeing Grimes to Watts' post above). Including him has to be at the expense of someone, and I currently rate the other players I've listed there more, and that's the only reason. Who I "currently rate" can and will vary throughout the year. That is, I haven't picked him for round 1, but that doesn't mean I won't pick him for round 2 for instance. If it makes you feel better, you can slot him in the emergency spot that I left vacant

Deliberate omission..?

Interesting. That's the reason I asked. Wasn's sure if I was correctly reading between the lines.

I'd have been of the same opinion mid-2009 but by the end of the season he convinced me he has something.

But based on his preseason form (woeful in my eyes) I'd probably make the same decision at this stage.

Injury may have played a part in this, but he'll still need to prove he deserves a spot by performing for Casey.

Also he told me he may be playing forward but dont quote me on it

Oops..too late.

Jetta has missed the last few weeks of the preseason with an injury & I would assume is underdone for this Rnd1 clash in which we have a chance with fit strong bodies, & not too many first gamers at once. McKenzie & Maric have been in the system for a couple of years now & have strength.

You want Strauss as a small forward??????

No. In your team, I'd put Strauss at half back, move Grimes into the middle, and put Green in the forward line.

Maric has not performed to a level in the pre-season that warrants senior selection. Strauss did better.

As for Jetta, if he's fit he plays before Maric. I don't expect him to be fit though.

In 2010, your draft number in 2004 is as relevant as yourzodia sign to indicate AFL talent.

Meesen was pick 8 in the 2004 draft by the Crows was traded in 2007 to MFC for pick 38. At the end of 2009 Meeson was put on the rookie list by a bottom dwelling Club with a shortage of good rucks. Hmmmm....what does that tell you?

Newton was pick 43 in the 2004 draft by MFC with questions about attitude and maturity. After making an impact in 2007, Newton has failed to make an impact since at MFC despite the bottom dwelling Club which is screaming out for forwards even despite getting a dubious 2 year contract extension. He was put on the rookie list in at the end of 2009. Hmmmm....what does that tell you?

Unless there is a complete change of form and/or fitness, neither play will be playing AFL in 2010.

Dunn is in his sixth season and since his first season there has been a question about his stomach for the contest. And being built like Tarzan does not hide that you play like someone else. Has cute skills but has been put on tagging roles to take him to the contest more because he does not do enough offensively. Its got nothing to do with the position he is played. The forward line is not a place for shrinking voilets. Not best 22 for mine. And injuries give him a chance to actually show that he has got it. Put on the first 5 years he has been a fail for a first round pick. If he is still at Casey at year end then he should go.

Mathew Bate is very underrated and has done a wonderful job in a difficult role up forward. I hope he blossoms further.

Aside from you conspiracy theories, neither Newton or Dunn has shown they are good enough. The reports on here suggest with Newts..its more of the same. Bate is returning from injury and once match fit will be best 22.

Nasher covered the side for Rd 1.

I'lll give you a hint....Dunn and Newton are not even on the bench. And I'd play Max GAWN on one leg ahead of Meesen.

Nah Nasher's side has Stefan Martin at Full Forward, I like him as a defender only. He does not want the ball. Classic athlete/body playing football. Cant kick for goal either. Jordie McKenzie I think will play a bit this year but I am not sure he is a walk up start, not an attractive or terribly effective footballer. Has his pre season form been epic or something in the NAB Challenge?

It is a bit sad that, in your opinion we have 3 blokes who should not get a game in 2010 on our list without a meaningful ball been kicked so far this year. I think they need to be thrown in the deep end a bit and told SINK or SWIM.

Bate is a good player isn't he, quite like him.

Carna Dees lets win some this year......

No. In your team, I'd put Strauss at half back, move Grimes into the middle, and put Green in the forward line.

Maric has not performed to a level in the pre-season that warrants senior selection. Strauss did better.

As for Jetta, if he's fit he plays before Maric. I don't expect him to be fit though.

Hmmn, put it on paper, I'd like to see how you fit all the experienced players in to suit their game styles & team balance.

backs: rivers frawley cheney

half back: macdonald warnock bennell

center: grimes moloney bruce

half forward: bates/davey miller dunn

forwards: davey/bates green petterd

mid: martin jones macca

interchange: scully trengrove jamar maric